Minshew claims spot in Democratic contest
By Andrew Bell
Published in News on May 3, 2006 1:52 PM
Pam Minshew beamed Tuesday night after the unofficial results of the Wayne County primary showed she had beaten her opponent Jo Ann Summerlin for the Democratic nomination for the county's clerk of court race.
Surrounded by friends and family at Billie's on Center Street, she greeted well-wishers who had gathered to await the returns -- many of them wearing "vote PAM!" T-shirts.
"I want to thank all of my family and all of my friends. Everyone has been wonderful," she said.
Mrs. Minshew defeated Mrs. Summerlin in 26 of the 30 voting precincts, collecting 3,513 votes as compared to her opponent's 1,571. Her highest totals came from absentee ballots, Pikeville, Grantham, Mount Olive and polling places throughout Goldsboro.
Mrs. Minshew said she decided to run for the position after current Clerk of Superior Court Marshall Minchew, no relation, announced last year he would not seek re-election for a third four-year term.
Mrs. Minshew has worked in the clerk of court office for the past 25 years. She said she did not run for the office in previous elections because she did not want to battle a co-worker. Since Minchew is retiring, Mrs. Minshew decided this would be her year to try for the spot.
The clerk of court race was the largest race in Wayne County this year, with two Democrats and two Republicans vying for the position. Mrs. Minshew said being in a larger race made the campaigning process more exciting.
"I enjoyed the race. I met a lot of nice people out there. We have some great people in the community," Mrs. Minshew said.
She said the campaigning will begin again soon to prepare for the November general election against Republican Randy Winders who defeated Amy Carter Scott in the primary for that party's nomination. But that will not be for a few days, she said. Rest and relaxation will top her agenda for now.
"I finally get to rest," she said. "I think I'm going to rest for a little bit and then get ready for November."
Election results will be made official next Tuesday after the Wayne County Board of Elections holds its canvass at 11 a.m.